The fourth bookin the epic saga of humankind'swar of transcendenceHumanity had appeared to fend off theSh'daar assault once and for all, though they never learned why the alien empire was driven to halt Earth's advancement toward technological Singularity.But in this war of worlds, victory is always elusive.And now a new battle begins.After twenty years of peace, not one but two fragiletruces are unraveling. Alexander Koenig, the former Navycommander whose heroics forced the Sh'daar intosubmission, has won a second term as President of theUnited States of North America. But pursuing hismandate—sovereignty from the centuries-old EarthConfederation—becomes a risky proposition dueto events taking place on the other side of the galaxy.A Confederation research vessel has been ambushed.Destroyers are descending on a human colony. It seemsthe Sh'daar have betrayed their treaty, and allnations must stand united—or face certain death.